U.S. rejects alternative anthrax cures

There is no evidence that alternative medicines, including some promoted on the Internet, are effective in treating anthrax or other biological agents, a leading government scientist said Wednesday.

Certain natural treatments could interfere with proven antibiotics, and there is little reason to believe they hold promise in responding to bioterrorism attacks, said Dr. Stephen Straus, director of the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine.

The public should have "an unwavering trust in the currently approved drugs and vaccines," he told the House Government Reform Committee. Straus also cautioned against "pursuing unproven remedies."

The bill would spend $1.1 billion to stockpile antibiotics and vaccines and $1 billion to help state and local governments better prepare for a bioterrorism attack. The bill would also pay for improvements at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and for stepped-up food and agriculture inspections.

Meanwhile, the American Federation of Teachers reported Wednesday that traces of anthrax were found at its national headquarters in the District of Columbia. The source was a set of mail trays that had come from the city's mail facility before it was shut down. The organization's mailroom is closed, but city health officials have not recommended testing for any employee.